Fibre Test Equipment Guide
Fibre Test Equipment Guide
From OTDRs and optical power meters to OLTS, fibre inspection scopes and visual fault locators – this guide explains which fibre tester does what, and helps you choose between leading EXFO and VIAVI test equipment.
Need equipment fast? The VIAVI SmartOTDR PRO Installation Kit and VIAVI SmartPocket power meters are available from UK stock at competitive prices.
Types of Fibre Test Equipment
Most fibre installation and maintenance work uses a combination of these testers.
OTDR
An OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) sends pulses down the fibre and maps every splice, connector, bend and break along the link – essential for fault finding and acceptance testing. See OTDRs.
Optical power meter
An optical power meter measures received light level. PON power meters check downstream signal levels at the customer end on G-PON and XGS-PON networks. See power meters.
Light source & OLTS
A light source and power meter measure end-to-end insertion loss. An OLTS (optical loss test set) does this as a certified pair, for duplex and multi-fibre MPO links.
Fibre inspection scope
A fibre inspection scope (fibre microscope) checks connector end faces for dirt and damage – the most common cause of fibre faults. See inspection scopes.
Visual fault locator
A visual fault locator (VFL) injects visible red light to show breaks, tight bends and bad connectors, and to trace fibres. See VFLs.
Service testers
Ethernet, WiFi and multigigabit service testers verify the service delivered to the customer, such as the EXFO EX1 and VIAVI NSC-100.
VIAVI vs EXFO: Our Range Compared
Both are leading test equipment brands. Choose by the job – and by what you need from stock.
VIAVI SmartOTDR PRO Installation Kit
The VIAVI SmartOTDR PRO Installation Kit puts the core FTTH test functions in one handheld kit: a 1310/1550nm SmartOTDR with built-in light source, an optical power meter and a visual fault locator.
It's available from UK stock at a competitive price – see the product page for current pricing.
Popular Fibre Testers
★ VIAVI SmartOTDR PRO Kit – In Stock
VIAVI SmartPocket OLP-37XV2
VIAVI MTS-4000 OTDR
EXFO MaxTester 730D OTDR
EXFO PX1 Power Meter
EXFO FIP-200 Inspection Kit
VIAVI FiberChek Probe
VIAVI VFL-050 VFLFibre Test Equipment FAQs
What is an OTDR used for?
An OTDR maps a fibre link from one end, showing the distance to and loss of each splice, connector and fault. It is used for acceptance testing, documentation and locating breaks.
OTDR or light source and power meter?
A light source and power meter (or OLTS) give the most accurate end-to-end loss figure for certification. An OTDR shows where losses and faults are along the link. Many teams use both.
What power meter do I need for PON?
For G-PON and XGS-PON, use a PON-capable power meter such as the VIAVI SmartPocket OLP-37XV2, or the OLP-39X TruePON for selective wavelength measurement with PON-ID.
VIAVI or EXFO?
Both are leading fibre test brands. Choose the instrument that fits your job and budget. If you need it quickly, our VIAVI range is available from UK stock at competitive prices.
Why inspect fibre connectors?
Dirty or damaged connectors are the most common cause of fibre faults. Inspect with a fibre scope, clean if needed, and inspect again before connecting. See our fibre optic cleaning guide.
Need Fibre Test Equipment Quickly?
Tell us what you're testing and we'll recommend the right EXFO or VIAVI instrument – and what we can supply from stock.
